Potential buyer with a few Q's
 

Hey guys I'm new here but I've spent the better part of the last 3 days trying to absorb as much info as I can from this site. I have read the "New and Potential Owners" sticky and it has raised a few concerns. I am currently looking at a 2004 RX8 with 47k miles, auto transmission. I was hoping that some generous individuals may share some expertise and shed a little light for this newbie.

After checking the carfax report, I do not see any records indicating that the engine has been replaced. It is my understanding that Mazda recalled the early engines and that many of the "engine failure stories" come from owners of 04s with auto transmission. Is no record of the engine being replaced a doom omen? I realize that I can contact Mazda with the VIN number to make certain but I have not got around to doing so yet. I have plans to meet with the dealer again on Saturday and I plan on raising this issue. I will also ask them to perform a compression test regardless of what they tell me.

I test drove the car for the first time earlier this week and upon turning the key for the first time nothing happened, the battery was dead. The dealer had to jump it with a new battery, which afterward the car started fine. He equated this to the car sitting in the cold for awhile without any activity. Temperatures have been below freezing where I live and I test drove the car at night. Probably a safe assumption, but it had me a little unsettled regardless.

During the test drive, I also experienced a rough idle at a red light. The car had a shimmy to it that seemed to run in a certain pattern - it was not a constant vibration. After a little research, I've heard that this issue could possibly be related to a problem with the engine. Is this anything specific I should do or have checked to make sure no serious problems arise later should I decide to buy the car?

The car has had 3 previous owners, the most recent being the dealer, with no accidents.

I apologize if these questions/concerns seem obvious or trivial, but my knowledge of cars is limited. I admit that I am very green when it comes to rotary engines but I am doing what I can to educate myself. The more I read and learn about the RX8 the more I am starting to love it, but I do not want to rush into an impulse buy if I am not 100% confident. Any insight would be greatly appreciated...thanks guys.

If you want an auto, I would recommend an 06+. Also, consider the 8 year/100 mile engine core warranty.

You will not have piece of mind if you purchase a sports car you know nothing about, and with little help from warranty work...

^+1. just make sure it has warranty...for a decent amount of time too

Mazda didn't exactly recall the early engines. They did have an emissions recall in 2006 where they inspected the engines for (I believe) side seal issues. The engine not being replaced means there was no problem with the original. Check with Mazda to make sure 4206f (the emissions recall) and MSP16 (the latest flash) have been done.

Don't forget that you're looking at an 8 year old sports car. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's not like buying something new or dull.

Ken

1st owner - virgin
2nd owner - used
3rd owner - left overs
4th owner (you) - good luck, lol